Current Wildfires in Colorado

There are eleven wildfires burning in the state of Colorado at the moment.  That doesn't count the small fire that broke out in some trees yesterday afternoon in the city limits of Littleton.  In that fire, named the Wildland, someone tossed a cigarette butt without it being "out"; the resultant fire burned through four back yards and destroyed a garage, plus some adult trees.  Sheer carelessness and stupidity caused that half-acre fire.  Luckily, it was spotted quickly and two fire units were able to put the fire completely out.
   The 20 acre Golf Course fire at Grand Lake is 100 % contained.  It is still smoldering, but is not capable of spreading any further.
   The Badger Creek fire, which straddles the Colorado and Wyoming state borders, has burned 21,176 acres, and has 80 %  containment.
   The High Chateau fire, which is west of Wright's Reservoir and northeast of Cripple Creek, now has 75 % containment. It has consumed 1,400 acres so far.
   The Turret fire, at last report yesterday morning, had burned 6 acres and was 10 % contained.  That fire is located 21 miles northeast of Glenwood Springs.
  The Burro fire is burning in the San Juan National Forest, 14 miles south of Rico.  It is now 40 % contained, and has burned 4,415 acres.
   The Sugarloaf fire is located 13 miles southwest of Fraser, and has consumed 1,200 acres with no containment.
   The 416 fire continues to spread, 10 miles south of Durango.  It has burned 54,128 acres so far, and fire crews have reached a 45 % containment working for the past month.
   The Weston Pass fire has damaged one home and one out building, while burning 10,727 acres.  It is located 9 miles southwest of Fairplay, and has 5 % containment.
   The Adobe fire, 5 miles west of Wetmore in Custer County, has consumed 85 acres.  It has 0 % containment, and was started by lightning.
   The Lake Christine fire has 0 % containment, and had burned 2,377 acres.  It is burning west of the Basalt Gun Range, and it was started by the use of tracer bullets on the gun range.  Police are interviewing folks who were at the range when the fire began.
   Then there is the Spring fire.  It is burning in two counties (Costilla and Huerfano).  It is only 5 % contained, and has been burning for a month.  The fire has consumed 104 homes, and burned over 95,740 acres.  It was started by a homeless man, who had built a fire pit to cook some meat.  The man is a visitor from Denmark, and can't get a legal job in the United States because his Visa to the USA expired quite some time ago.  So Jesper Jorgenson has been panhandling and camping out on open, nationally owned lands.  He admits his fire pit was the beginning of the Spring fire....  What destruction this man hath wrought.....
    So, let's see - the total acreage burning and burned is at 191,284, which converts to 298.88 square miles. That means that almost 3.5 % of the state of Colorado is burning or has burned over the past month.  No wonder it's smoky and hazy.  No wonder folks with allergies and COPD are having a difficult time breathing.

   

Please be extremely careful with fire!

America's Fourth of July Celebration: Facts and Photos

The United States of America will celebrate it's "birthday" today, 4 July 2018.  It is commonly believed that the celebration celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, proclaiming that the American colonies were free of the British crown.  Contrary to that belief, only two Founding Fathers signed the Declaration on July 4, 1776.  This favorite American holiday does not celebrate the signing of the document; it celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the elected Second Continental Congress.

Three men who would become Presidents signed the Declaration: John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.

When the Declaration of Independence was signed, the estimated population of the thirteen states was 2.5 million people.  In 2018, the population for the fifty states is 326.8 million people.

The first Fourth of July Celebration, with fireworks and cannon shots, was celebrated in 1777 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In 1778, General George Washington ordered a double ration of rum for all Continental soldiers on the Fourth of July.  (Below is a painting of the Battle of Monmouth, 28 June 1778)

The Fourth of July was declared a federal holiday in 1870. (Below: lunch camp at Red Buttes, Wyoming Territory on 24 August 1870 by the US Geological & Geophysical Survey unit)

Our 30th President, "Silent" Calvin Coolidge was born on 4 July 1872.  Below is a photo of Silent  Cal with Mother Jones in Pennsylvania, September 1924.

Enjoy your Fourth!

(And remember to keep your pets inside during fireworks displays.)

Best Two Boat Tours On - Or Around - Chincoteague Island

Chincoteague is an island in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Virginia, just south of the Maryland state line.  Until the year my mother was born, one could only reach it by a boat or ship of some type; then the causeway across multiple channels of water was built.  Chincoteague is protected from the violence of pounding surf by Assateague Island to the east; Assateague stretches for 33 miles from Ocean City, Maryland to a little past the southern tip of Chincoteague in Virginia.  All of Assateague Island is designated a National Seashore, but the southern end in Virginia is also a National Wildlife Refuge.  Confusingly, the NWR on Assateague Island in Virginia was named the Chincoteague NWR.  No person lives on Assateague at the current time.  Chincoteague, however, is (and has been) populated and now relies mainly on tourism for it's economy.  My mother's family has lived on Chincoteague since the 1650s, so I know what I'm talking about...
   If you plan on going to Chincoteague during a warm time of the year, two boat trips are a must.  Both of these trips are captained by fascinating men and they know the history and lore of the islands - their families have lived it.  I say there are two excursions to make, but if you can only take one, you need to decide if your overwhelming desire is to see the wild ponies on Assateague, or to have a hands-on experience investigating the life and times and ecology of the marine life system of the tidal marshes.  Both boating trips offer the historical perspectives of the island; you can sit back and look, and take photos on either excursion.  If you want to hop in the water and find out what's in a seine net, or have your kids help retrieve a crab pot, or look at oysters growing, or go shelling, look at dolphins and birds, then you definitely want to see Captain Barry.  If you want to see ponies on Assateague, dolphins and birds, then you want to see Captain Dan.  I'll write about Captain Barry first, because he comes first alphabetically, whether by first or last name...
  Captain Barry's Backbay Cruises are the hands-on type of cruise during his daylight hours of tours - there is also a Sunset Cruise for adults that does not involve the seine nets, crab pots, etc - unless you want it to.  His ecological tours leave the dock at 8 am, 10:30 am, 1 pm and 3:30 pm. When I went out with him, we explored several small islands, or tumps, in the Chincoteague Channel and the Chincoteague Bay.  We went shelling; we saw dolphins  and birds (I stopped counting after 25 different types); one of the kids on the cruise gaffed a crab pot buoy and then pulled the crab pot up.  Barry opened the pot and we all handled crabs (if we wanted to) and he showed us the safe way to pick them up, how to tell the difference between the boys and the girls, and we got to see eggs on a few of the ladies.  He showed us seed oysters and then pulled up some adult ones, and we could have them raw on the half-shell there on the deck.  We learned to identify different types of jellyfish, and to be able to identify the different type of small fish and crabs at the edges of the water.  The four children who were on the cruise with me were totally engrossed and talked about it for days.  I had one of the best times of my life...  The Sunset Cruises come with a bottle of champagne, and/or one can bring their own choice of beverage.  Sunset Cruises are usually adults only.  Captain Barry's boat can only take out 6 passengers at a time, so be sure to reserve a seat!   The boat leaves from 6262 Marlin Street on the Chincoteague Channel.  The number to call is (757) 336-6508.
  Captain Dan's Around the Island Tours is the other boat trip I would urge you to take.  Captain Dan is there, running the boat 99% of the time; when he can't make it for a serious reason - or when it's the really packed tourist weeks, his father, Captain Ray, will take the boat's wheel.  They have a couple of 6 passenger boats, and Dan just got his Coast Guard Safety Certification for an 18-passenger craft.  Dan's tour takes you,  literally, around the island of Chincoteague, and quite a ways up the western side of Assateague.  On this trip, besides learning the histories and tales of Chincoteague and Assateague, one can see many types of birds (including bald eagles), dolphins, but, most importantly, the ponies running free on Assateague.  (During Pony Penning week, July 21 through 27 this year, there will be no ponies roaming free on the Virginia end of Assateague - so, unless Dewey or some of the Maryland ponies make it past the state-line fence, you won't see ponies from the boat.)  Ponies are the big drawing card, other than the wide variety of birds to be seen on Assateague.  Captain Dan keeps pony identity books available on his tours, so you can see who you're looking at and taking photos of.  Dan knows most of the herds and the majority of ponies by sight.  This year, he and his clients have seen so many new foals (pony babies) that he's laughingly calling his tours "The Foal Patrol."  Both Dan, and his father Ray, have a lot to share and are always willing to answer questions.  Dan's boat leaves from the floating dock at the Robert Reed City Park just behind the Public Library on Main Street.  For reservations, call  (757) 894-0103.
   Severe weather may cancel scheduled outings.  Please be sure to check on Mother Nature's feelings. Both boats provide a "necessary room" as needed.  All are certified by the US Coast Guard, as are the Captains.

Go out on a boat and have a great time!

Strange, Odd and Silly Photos

A Silly Law From Each of the 50 States

Time for some fun....  Following are a list of strange and/or silly and/or dumb laws - one for each of the fifty states in the Union.

Alabama: In Mobile, it is illegal to scatter or use confetti or "spray string" in public fountains; it is illegal to bathe in a public fountain.  In the schools in that city, stink bombs, "funk balls," and any object "the purpose of which is to create disagreeable odors" are strictly illegal.

Alaska:  It is illegal to be drunk inside a bar.  A person who is already drunk may not "knowingly" enter a bar to drink more, nor can they remain inside a bar where they became drunk.

Arizona:  In Goodyear, it is unlawful to spit "in or on" any public building, park, sidewalk, or road.  The penalty is six months in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.

Arkansas:  You must pronounce Arkansas correctly.  The State Code says the only way is "in three (3) syllables, with the final 's' silent, the 'a' in each syllable with the Italian sound, and the accent on the first and last syllables."

California:  Inside the Chico city limits it is illegal to build, maintain, or use a nuclear weapon.  There is a $500 fine for breaking this law.

Colorado:  In Aspen, you can own a catapult, but it is illegal to use it.  Flaming arrows are also outlawed.

Connecticut:  A state regulation states that any pickle sold "should bounce" when dropped from the height of one foot.

Delaware:  In the city of Rehoboth Beach, children may only go trick-or-treating between the hours of 6 pm and 8 pm on Halloween; unless Halloween falls on a Sunday, in which case "such going door to door and house to house for treats shall take place on the evening of October 30."

Florida:  It is a felony offense to sell your children.

Georgia:  A law was passed in the city of Gainesville in 1961 making it illegal to eat fried chicken with the use of any utensil; you must use your hands and fingers.

Hawaii:  In 1927 the state officially outlawed billboards (with a few exceptions) and aerial advertising.

Idaho:  Idaho is the only state that has an active ban on cannibalism.

Illinois:  The city of Galesburg prohibits "fancy riding" of bicycles on city streets - including riding without both feet on the pedals, riding without both hands on the handlebars, or "any acrobatic" acts.

Indiana:  On Friday the 13th, all black cats must wear bells around their necks on a collar of some type, in the municipality of French Lick Springs.

Iowa:  It is a misdemeanor to claim margarine, oleo, or oleomargarine is real butter; there is a fine of $625 and one might spend up to 30 days in jail.

Kansas:  It is illegal to shoot a rabbit from a motorboat, as well as catch a fish using your bare hands.

Kentucky:  All public officials and attorneys must swear an oath that they "have not fought a duel with deadly weapons" nor acted as a second in another person's duel.

Louisiana:  Stealing crawfish is illegal.  Crawfish theft in excess of $1,500 can get the thief up to ten (10) years in prison and/or a $3,000 fine.

Maine:  In the city of Wells it is forbidden to post advertisements on another person's tombstone.

Maryland:  In Rockville it is illegal to swear while you are on any street or highway; the fine is $100.

Massachusetts:  In 1917 a state law passed to prohibit citizens from dancing to the National Anthem.

Michigan:  In the city of Detroit, you cannot allow your pig to run free - unless it has a ring in it's nose.

Minnesota:  It is a misdemeanor offense to operate, run, or participate in any activity involving a greased pig, or involving the chasing of turkeys.

Mississippi:  There is a state law that does not allow limiting portion sizes of food and drink.

Missouri:  In University City, it is illegal to "swing upon" another person's motor vehicle and honk their horn.

Montana:  In the city of Helena it is illegal to play Frisbee golf unless you are on a sanctioned course; breaking the law could cost you $500 and/or six months in jail.

Nebraska:  If you have any type of venereal disease it is illegal to get married within the state.

Nevada:  Using an x-ray device to determine someone's shoe size is illegal.

New Hampshire:  It is illegal to collect seaweed from any beach during the night.

New Jersey:  If you kill, or attempt to kill, someone while wearing a bulletproof vest, you've committed a second degree felony while committing, or attempting to commit, a felony in the first degree.

New Mexico:  Within the state, "indecent exposure" is defined as "intentionally exposing (one's) primary genital area to public view" -  but open viewing of buttocks is allowed.

New York:  Bagels purchased "as is" from the oven are tax exempt.  However, "altered" bagels - sliced, toasted, or served with cream cheese, etc - have an eight cent sales tax.

North Carolina:  Stealing used cooking oil, or grease, depending on the amount stolen, is either a felony or misdemeanor offense.

North Dakota:  In Devil's Lake it is illegal to set off fireworks after 11 pm on any day or night.

Ohio:  There must be "an adequate supply of toilet paper" with each toilet in underground coal mines.

Oklahoma:  It is illegal to wrestle a bear; and illegal to promote, engage in, or be employed by any "horse tripping" event.

Oregon:  Any "test of physical endurance" while driving on a highway is considered a "speed racing" offense.

Pennsylvania:  In Bensalem, no person convicted of a felony may operate a Bingo game.

Rhode Island:  It is unlawful to impersonate an auctioneer under the state's "false personification" laws.

South Carolina:  It is illegal to either work, or dance, on a Sunday.  Both laws are in the process of being repealed.

South Dakota:  Fireworks and/or explosives are allowed to be used by farmers to protect their crops of sunflowers; but they must be set off at least six hundred and sixty (660) feet away from any church, home, or school.

Tennessee:   In Memphis, panhandlers must obtain a (free) permit from the city, or be jailed.

Texas:  In Galveston, it is illegal to throw any litter or trash from any aircraft.

Utah:  Unless you are an appointed officer of the peace, or commercial security personnel, it is a felony to throw a missile into a bus terminal.

Vermont:  Women must obtain written permission from their husbands, if married, to wear dentures.

Virginia:  In Prince William County (I used to live there!), it is illegal to keep a skunk as a pet.

Washington:  In Whatcom and Skamania Counties, it is illegal to poach a Sasquatch (Bigfoot).

West Virginia:  It is illegal to use a drone or other unmanned aircraft to hunt birds.  Hunting dogs are permitted for bird hunting, but using a ferret will get you a fine of $100.

Wisconsin:  Any and all cows,calves and bulls have the right-of-way on roads and highways.  And a state law demands that all cheese and butter produced within the state must be "highly pleasing" to the taste.

Wyoming:  It is prohibited to buy any scraps, junk, or used items of any sort, from someone who is intoxicated.

Signs From the Families Belong Together Marches

Families Belong Together

Yesterday, in over 750 cities across the United States, along with several cities with American populations around the world, hundreds of thousands of people joined together for marches, sit-ins, and speeches regarding the 45th President's administration's immigration policies, including the so-called "zero tolerance" policy that lead to the separation of migrant parents and children.  The Families Belong Together March was organized by dozens of activist organizations, led by Move On, the Leadership Conference, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance.
   "It's horrible what they are doing to these families," said Gary Lasley, a resident of Pasadena, who was protesting at the Los Angeles City Hall.  "It's terrorism.  It's the worst thing to happen since the Japanese interment."
   More than 2,300 children have been separated, by order of the President, from their parents and guardians as they enter the United States.  Less than 300 have been re-united with their families since a court ordered the US government to do so.  And the government is making unaccompanied 3-year-old toddlers appear in court to face deportation...  What the heck is happening in "the land of the free and the home of the brave"?  Apparently, we are declaring war on children who are seeking asylum.
   Tyler Houlton, a spokesman for the US Department of Homeland Security, says he welcomes interest in the immigration system, but that only the US Congress has the power to change the law.  "We appreciate that these individuals have expressed an interest in, and concern with, the critical issue of securing our nation's borders, and in enforcing our immigration laws.  As we have indicated before, the department is disappointed and frustrated by our nation's disastrous immigration laws and it supports action."
   Immigrant advocacy groups say they are thrilled - and surprised - to see the issue is gaining traction among people who are not usually involved with immigration issues.
  "Honestly, I am blown away.  I have literally never seen Americans show up for immigrants like this," said Jess Morales Rocketto, political director at the National Domestic Workers Alliance.  "We just keep hearing, over and over, if it was my child, I would want someone to do something."  The National Domestic Workers Alliance  represents nannies, housekeepers and caregivers, many of whom are immigrants.
   And, as I wrote a few days ago - unless you are a full-blooded Native American tribal member, you are a descendant of immigrants to the United States of America.
   The current President is the son of a Scots immigrant, and the grandson of two Bavarian German immigrants.  Two of his three wives are immigrants....   So why is he so adamant that we turn back all comers (except those with money to invest in his schemes) to this once-great country?